Hello, thank you for taking the time to visit my website. My name is Paul Joseph Romero, Jr. and I am running for the US House of Representatives, Oregon Congressional District 2.

My history is extensive. I’m a Single parent of 5 (3 of my own and 2 Foster daughters) since 2002, my youngest is a Senior in High School. I’m a disabled Veteran of the US Navy who has worked as an Investment Executive, Project Manager and in Business Development. I’m currently working as an Appliance Repair Technician. What can I say, it’s honest work and it was what was available when I returned to Oregon in 2014. I put myself through college and I have worked, like many of you, my entire life. I am a Boyscout, Life Scout, from Prineville Troop 28 and attended Boys State sponsored by the American Legion in 1983. As a graduate of Crook County High School in 1984 I’ve gone on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education & Development, and 75% work completed on a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics.

I’m running for Oregon Congressional District 2 to bring new vision, insight, energy, and life blood to the Republican Party. I am sick and tired of the fraud and corruption in Government and realize I have three choices: 1) Ignore it and allow the status quo to run as is, 2) Attack the status quo and bring the spotlight to expose the failed leadership and representation, or 3) put my life experience, money, and actions towards getting Oregon moving again by representing voters and their primary issues just as the job requires. I’m running to focus on the needs of Oregonians.

My platform is tempered by the job requirements detailed in the US Constitution and Oregon Constitution. The job description is in black and white, plain for us all to see. It’s been the same for a long time now. It’s not changed, but the actions of many of our elected officials have veered from that path of true representation. I'm supposed to run Bills within the boundaries of the Constitution and Rule of Law for the benefit of Oregonians and all Americans. I am also supposed to control spending by the Federal Government. I'm going to do my job. Current day politicians have forgotten that they can’t very well represent people they can’t relate to. I can most certainly relate to the voters of CD2 and I will always be in touch with you.

#1 It is my intention to protect our Senior Citizens and Social Security. To put Social Security in a lockbox TRUST condition with improved money management that also prevents Congress from using those funds for which they were not intended. In addition, Congress MUST pay back the 4 Trillion dollars it has taken out of the Social Security funds. It makes no sense that Social Security benefits are taxed. They should not be taxed, period. In 1999 my opponent, 20 years Incumbent, voted NO on strengthening the Social Security Lock Box and continues to vote in the same fashion. The Alliance for Retired Americans rates him at 0%, indicating an anti-retiree voting record. Of course he’s not worried about Social Security for himself, his retirement is guaranteed.

#2 Immigration. When you consider the Social Security benefits of our Seniors –vs- the benefits bestowed on Illegal, non-documented persons and refugees…well, it’s appalling. How much do you get? These Illegals get upwards of $3800+ a month. Free education, no taxes. I support the LAW. I do support LEGAL Immigration. I do support securing our border and building whatever is needed to stop undocumented persons from entering OUR country. I will not support Sanctuary Cities/States that put ILLEGALS and ILLEGAL CRIMINALS above any American citizen. They are violating Federal Law and Federal Authority given to the Federal Government by the United States Constitution. Although DACA kids have been given multiple opportunities under Reagan and Clinton to become legal citizens, I don't fully understand why they didn't take advantage of it. One possibility would be to give each of them a limited VISA that requires them to go through the immigration process. No special considerations over other current legal immigrants who are also going through the process. I will support our President in this matter. There has to be a fair and reasonable solution that will make our country even better.

#3 Sound Land Management. 25-30 years ago we had a shift in Oregon brought on by Government Agencies and Rogue Environmentalists that I refer to as Opportunists. They stripped our State of our Lumber Industry, Land Access and Use through means of the Endangered Species Act. They bring claims against the Federal Government on wildlife and whether they win or lose, they still get legal fees paid. This is WRONG. Hard working and capable Oregonians had their livelihoods crushed because of Opportunists. We now have a President, a Commander in Chief, who is correcting this travesty and abuse. I will push a bill to return reason and a sensible approach to our land management and use for Oregonians. Turn back the clock about 30 years. I will support our President who will set the stage for our Lumber Industry to return while we will have the job of getting it all up and running. Too many have suffered from not having a Representative who should protect and return these jobs. The Endangered Species Act is at the core of the problem. Congress MUST fix this Act and I'm willing to run the Bill.

#4 Jobs & Economic Development. Our current population shows approximately: 54% White Collar; 29% Blue Collar; & 17% Grey Collar. I’m all for new business, but when that business results in IMPORTING significant out of state manpower, then how is it really helping OREGONIANS? We have a largely Blue Collar workforce. Where are the jobs for the workforce we have here in Oregon RIGHT NOW?! This has to be considered as we offer tax breaks to entice businesses to move here. The return should always include employment for our Oregonian Workforce. We need a Republican controlled State again…NOW before we’re all forced to move to other States. The current State Administration is literally chasing out big business, stifling small business growth, and taxing us to death by a 1000 knife cuts through the 750 new laws which includes a variety of income producing fees for a State that does not NEED that money. Don’t believe me? Why are we getting a kicker on past rates? Because they collected too much and overshot the budget needs. I’m sure most of the new money will be used to fund PERS which took a very wrong turn long ago. Ask who was managing it and changed the rules that allowed a State employee to make over a million dollars a year in retirement income.

#5 Addressing the issues for lower taxes and affordable housing. Taxes in Oregon are getting out of control. Corporations are leaving our State much like they are leaving California. The first problem is people NOT VOTING. We have to replace the failed management of Democrat leaders. Tax and Spend is their quiet battle cry. There are more of us than them, so VOTE! The second is who is NOT running to replace those who need replaced in the State Legislature. That falls largely on the Republican Party. They have been failing for many years now. Doing the same things, expecting different results. The base is unmotivated, uninspired, and in need of a jump start with new blood. Affordable housing starts with an out-of-control State Assessor and the 3% value they add every year regardless of economic growth or decline to support the increase. This expense trickles down to us all. Poor planning by people in charge, greed, lack of accountability…take your pick. There are many causes but State assessments are fundamentally wrong and corrective action must be taken.

#6 2nd Amendment and the Constitution. Simply, it says what it says and doesn’t say what it doesn’t. I fully support our secured right to bear arms and the freedoms and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution. No new gun restriction laws that criminals continue to ignore, unlike how my opponent feels. I do have an "A" rating from the NRA. That’s all that needs said.

#7 Water and Water Rights. This has gotten way out of hand. Besides being a highly complicated issue it would appear to me that the Federal Government will have to step in to protect the farmers and ranchers throughout Oregon, notably in the Klamath Basin. The Endangered Species Act is also a tool they continue to use against us all. This must be changed. I will fight to keep dams in place. I’m learning the history and the players, which is extensive. Just know that I stand with the Ranchers and Farmers who stand to lose their livelihood and tradition.

#8 Term-Limits and REAL Accountability. By talking with Voters I have learned that we ALL feel strongly about term-limits, draining the swamp, and losing career politicians. The President gets a maximum of 2 four year terms. Senators get six years per term, Representatives get two year terms. As Senators and Representatives both serve/makeup Congress, I would offer that Senators can serve a maximum of 2 six year terms for a total of 12 years and thus Representatives could serve a maximum of 6 two year terms also for a total of 12 years. There is NO Federal Retirement for less than 20 years of Federal Service. The additional 8 years would have to come from some other Federal service, such as military service, etc. Elected officials, including Congress, MUST be held to the same laws and standards as the public. No special considerations. In addition, they must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No get out of jail free cards just because they step down from their elected position after they are caught.

#9 Healthcare - Full repeal of Obamacare. This debacle has created more problems and wasted more money than anything in the history of our country. Robbing Medicare to help cover it was wrong. There are other issues with a current law that doesn't allow Medicare to negotiate prices for pharmaceuticals, this makes no sense except for the fact of an overpowering Big Pharma Lobby buying Congress. It's time to bring a spotlight on these things and force a resolution. I will run a Bill to start this. There will be a lot of money opposing my efforts, but I have to try. In addition, I am Pro-Life. Fundamentally, there is no justifiable reason that taxpayer money should ever be offered to pay for Planned Parenthood abortions. I believe that women should always have access to good healthcare. i do not belleve any taxpayer should be held accountable for anyones indescretion and lack of personal responsibility. I am a Christian but I support abortion in the cases of incest, rape, and when it's to the detriment of the mother, but I also believe this final decision is in the hands of the mother, not me. I respect life and I understand the difficult decisions we all face while we travel our paths. They may not be easy but we all have to own our decisions and be mindful of the needs of others.

My opponent is your opponent. Mr. Walden has done some good things in his career, but I question what he has really done for Oregon. I question his ability to relate to his base. I don’t understand why anyone would spend Millions of dollars for a $178,000 a year job. I question why Mr. Walden would give up a position on a committee for a Democrat turned Republican turned Democrat. I’m curious as to where the Millions in his Campaign War Chest has come from. I know it’s not from Oregon voters. His net worth is in the millions. Mine is quite low and certainly not in the millions. Why? I raised five children on my own since 2002. As many of you know, kids aren’t cheap!

Who prevents Walden from addressing the actual issues of Oregonians in CD2?

Who prevents Walden from taking care of businesses, industry, and workers in CD2?

Why don't you keep your word and campaign promises?

Who are you representing if you won't represent the people you're supposed to be representing?

I am more of a Pragmatist in that I see problems and go after a solution leaving emotion at the door. I’m a leader with a no-nonsense approach to politics, not a professional politician, and I know I can make the difference you’ll be proud to say you supported. I know that you can’t properly represent people if you can’t relate to them. A lifetime of varied experiences allows me to relate to you. I understand the struggles of the last eight years as I’ve suffered through them like so many of you. Help me to help us all. Thank you for your time and support. I ask that you confidently cast your vote for me, as I’m ready to fight for you, my fellow Oregonians of CD2.